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Legal Information: Alabama

State Gun Laws

Laws current as of October 3, 2024

I have a protection from abuse (PFA) order against the abuser. Can s/he have a gun?

Alabama state law makes firearm possession illlegal for anyone who is subject to a valid protection order for domestic abuse that meets the following requirements:

  • It was issued after notice to the abuser and a hearing was held where the abuser had the opportunity to appear; and 
  • The order does the following three things: 
    1. tells the abuser not to:
      • harass, stalk, or threaten you or your child; or
      • take other actions that would put you or your child in reasonable fear of bodily injury; 
    2. includes a determination (finding) from the judge that the abuser represents a “credible threat” to the physical safety of you or your child; and 
    3. specifically prohibits the use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical force against you or your child that would reasonably be expected to cause bodily injury.1

In addition, federal laws, which apply to all states and territories, restrict an abuser’s right to have a gun if you have a final restraining order against him/her that meets certain requirements. Go to Federal Gun Laws to get more information.

1 Alabama Code § 13A-11-72(a), (h)(8)